Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as student visas, are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. "Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your home country: job, family, sources of income that you own or will inherit, investments, etc.
The interview will probably be conducted in English and not in your native language. Be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your occupation or future career.
Because of the large number of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to make the interview short. They must make a decision on the impressions they form during the first few minutes of the interview. Consequently, the things you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer's questions short and to the point.
You might bring supporting documents, like a letter from your employer explaining that your job will be open for you after you return, or that English will be useful to your position in the company. It should be immediately clear to the consular officer what they signify. Long written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky.
Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. They are more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States.
Maintain a positive attitude. Do not argue with the consular officer. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents you should bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.
New visa regulations allow you to enter the USA up to 30 days before the first day of classes (Section 5 of your I-20). If you attempt to enter the USA earlier than 30 days before your start date, you will be denied entry at the airport immigration area. You may also be denied entry if you arrive after the starting date of your program.
An airline flight attendant will ask you to complete an I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) in the airplane before you land at the U.S. port of entry. You will present the I-94 form and your passport to the immigration inspector when you land. The immigration inspector will stamp the I-94 form with "D/S (duration of status). "D/S" means that you may stay in the U.S.A. until you complete your studies. You should keep the I-94 form and a copy of your valid I-20 with your passport at all times.
You may stay in the US 60 days after the last day of class.
Office of International Programs